source: Nelson Beltran | philstar.comh
Organizers of the Powerade RP-Smart Gilas charity match have raised P1.3 million in cash before tip-off Monday with PLDT/Smart chairman Manny V. Pangilinan matching yesterday the P500,000 donation of Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero.
More donations are expected to come in as Powerade Team Pilipinas and Smart Gilas start to prepare for the exhibition match held for the benefit of victims of typhoon Ondoy.
Eleven players have so far confirmed their availability and readiness to play for Powerade Team Pilipinas of coach Yeng Guiao.
Jared Dillinger and Ranidel de Ocampo were supposed to be with the Talk n Text Team leaving tomorrow for their Australian training. They have been ordered by Talk n Text board representative Ricky Vargas to stay behind to play in the charity game.
Powerade RP, however, is still short-handed with Mick Pennisi, Arwind Santos and their SMB team set to leave for Singapore for an exhibition match with the Singapore Slingers.
Sta. Lucia’s Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes remain indisposed since they have yet to fully recover from their illnesses.
Rain or Shine’s JayR Reyes is a welcome addition to the team that includes Asi Taulava, Sonny Thoss, Kerby Raymundo, Gabe Norwood, Willie Miller, Cyrus Baguio, James Yap, Jayjay Helterbrand and Wynne Arboleda.
Coach Guiao said he intends to hold at least one practice session to prepare for the match against the youthful Smart Gilas team led by former Los Angeles Laker CJ Giles.
Smart Gilas has just returned from Singapore where it beat the Singapore Slingers, 70-67, in an exhibition tiff.
Guiao and Smart Gilas counterpart Rajko Toroman have hinted at a fierce battle Monday.
“If you’re there and you’re competing, there’s always the motivation to win in any situation. This is no exception. Even if it’s a charity game, once adrenalin flows, you get to be competitive mentally and you always want to win,” said Guiao.
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